TFI Announces New Legislative Line Up

Washington, D.C. – The Fertilizer Institute (TFI) today announced the promotion of J. Clark Mica from the position of director of government relations to the position of vice president of government relations and the appointment of Jeff Blackwood as TFI’s new director of government relations.

Blackwood comes to TFI from the office of United States Sen. Byron Dorgan (D-N.D.) where he advised the Senator on legislation related to agriculture policy including farm programs, conservation, agriculture appropriations, food safety and climate change. In this position he also managed bills and amendments including several considered during the 2008 Farm Bill and annual agriculture appropriations process. Prior to his work with Sen. Dorgan, Blackwood was the Senior Grassroots Advocacy Advisor with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association.

During Mica’s tenure at TFI he has engaged on a number of key issues including climate change and water policy. In his new role with TFI, he will oversee all the Institute’s legislative efforts. Prior to joining TFI, he served as the acting deputy assistant secretary for intergovernmental relations with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

“We are pleased to recognize Clark’s outstanding work here at TFI and are fortunate to bolster our legislative team through the addition of an individual with Jeff’s agriculture policy experience,” said TFI President Ford B. West. “I know Clark and Jeff will serve TFI members well during the 112th Congress and beyond.”Mica and Blackwood are part of TFI’s government relations team, which consists of TFI President Ford B. West and TFI Vice President of Member Services Pam Guffain.

About the Fertilizer Institute

The Fertilizer Institute represents the nation’s fertilizer industry. Producers, wholesalers, retailers, trading firms and equipment manufacturers which comprise its membership are served by a full time Washington, D.C., staff in various legislative, educational and technical areas as well as with information and public relations programs.